Decision details

PLACE24 1038 - UNESCO Biosphere proposal – economic impact study

Decision Maker: Executive Director of Place

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

See attached ODR

Decision:

To approve the allocation of £25k from the Environment & Sustainability earmarked reserve to undertake a economic impact assessment of a Biosphere Reserve.

To procure a third party to carry out the economic impact assessment and to enter into any necessary contractual documentation.

Alternative options considered:

1. Do not undertake an economic study.
a. Significantly weakens our ability to engage stakeholders with the potential economic benefits a Biosphere could bring to the region.

b. Reduces our ability to demonstrate a ‘Potential for fostering economic and human development which is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable’. This is required for UNESCO designation.

2. For South Yorkshire Sustainability Centre (SYSC) to undertake the study

a. SYSC circulated a research brief to both Sheffield Universities. Unfortunately, no one had the capacity or skills to undertake the research.

Publication date: 02/09/2024

Date of decision: 05/08/2024

Accompanying Documents: